by K E Osborn
“I love you, Jeni,” Aiden yells as the security guard escorts him out of the room.
“I love you, too,” I call back with a small sob that somehow escapes my mouth.
And here I am again, without Aiden—this is the part I despise.
Mike takes my arm in his. “Time to go, Miss Taylor.”
As we slowly walk back to the car, I exhale loudly. I’m not sure if I feel better or worse for seeing Aiden, but I know one thing for sure—it was so fucking good to kiss him again.
When we arrive back at the apartment, Mike comes up to ensure I eat something. He insists I eat while he’s here as he takes out some pasta, heating it in the microwave. Mike makes me eat every last mouthful until I’m overfull.
I guess if Aiden wants me to take better care of myself, I will try, for him.
The next two weeks are filled with going to see Aiden and everyone checking in on me. The rest of my time is spent on the sofa cuddling into Aiden’s pillow as I silently wait for Jenson’s call that never comes.
Trial day arrives, and I manage to get up in time for Mike to take Sarah and me to the courthouse. Sarah stayed over last night, and it was great to have some company. As we arrive at the courthouse, I see everyone waiting, including Niall, which is a surprise.
Brielle hugs me. “What are we going to do if they find him guilty?”
My breathing stops at the thought, and I look at her with saddened eyes. “I don’t know,” is all I can manage as she stares at me, and then Logan takes her hand, leading her away.
They open the courtroom doors, and we file in sitting behind the defendant’s table. There are other people in the courtroom—a court reporter, police officers, the clerk, the bailiff, the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Monroe, and the jury.
A side door opens, and Aiden enters dressed in his blue suit and tie. His hair is nicely combed and his face is freshly shaven. My breath catches as I see him. Somehow through all of this, I’ve forgotten how breathtaking he is. He looks over to us and manages a smile as he sits. I’m practically sitting behind him in the first row of benches.
The bailiff starts, “All rise.”
Once everyone stands, the judge, a tall man with a white beard and glasses wearing the customary black robe, enters the courtroom and takes his seat.
The bailiff continues, “Court is now in session, Judge Nick Horner presiding. Please be seated.”
As we all sit, my heart feels like it’s pounding out of my chest as I squeeze Sarah’s hand hard.
Judge Horner begins, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the State of California versus Aiden O’Connell. Are both sides ready?”
Both the district attorney, Mr. Monroe, and the jury all seem to have done whatever’s necessary, then the clerk carries out the judge’s instructions.
The judge is now ready for the opening statements, but I’m not sure if I am.
Everything is so damn formal as they drone on and on, leaving me feeling out of place.
I shouldn’t be here.
Aiden shouldn’t be here.
This is all kinds of wrong.
The day progresses as various witnesses are called, including the lead detective.
Aiden turns to look at me at one stage, so I mouth ‘I love you.’
He’s having trouble dealing right now as he turns back to face the judge. My stomach rips into shreds as he spins away from me. I feel lost, hopeless, and helpless as though I’m drowning, and Aiden is reaching for me under the water, but I’m too far away for him to find me.
More witnesses are called, but I don’t know any of them.
The days continue on, blending into each other as more expert testimonies and evidence is presented until finally the last witness is called—Matthew-fucking-Jones.
I can’t help but glare at him as I see Rachelle walk in and sit at the back of the courtroom. I want to scream at them both, but I know I can’t.
They continue to go back and forth with what I believe to be flimsy evidence until the prosecutor asks, “In your time at O’Connell Finance, has the defendant given you any reason to suspect his guilt of the crime in question?”
Matthew rubs the back of his neck, his eyes moving back to the Prosecutor. “Yes.”
Everyone gasps, including me. Fuck! I want to scream out ‘liar,’ but somehow, I contain myself as Matthew speaks about a transfer receipt and a ‘with compliments’ slip he ‘found’ in Aiden’s office, thanking Aiden for his business with the bank.
The members of the jury move in their seats as Matthew recounts the evidence while I bite my bottom lip so hard I can taste the metallic tang of blood. The tension in the room is building to a critical level. I can’t see how any of this can be true. I don’t know how Aiden, my Aiden, could have done any of this!
But the evidence is pointing clearly and directly at him.
Niall storms from the courtroom a little too damn obviously—the idiot!
The jury looks up as the door slams behind the asshole. If Niall is outraged by these accusations, it doesn’t look good or work in Aiden’s favor. Niall just landed a big hit to Aiden’s case simply by walking out, and I bet the asshole doesn’t even know it.
My anxiety skyrockets through the roof as more questions are asked of Matthew. Of course, he lies about how he thinks Aiden and Niall’s hostile relationship is the reason behind the embezzlement. With Niall storming out, he all but confirmed his speculations.
Aiden is then called to the stand. He tries to discredit the transfer and ‘with compliments’ slip calling them counterfeit, saying it was more than likely placed in his office for the detectives to find by the real culprit. It sounds plausible, but it also means, whoever is trying to frame Aiden is doing a damn good job of it.
The prosecutor tears into Aiden, and it’s fucking hard to watch and even harder to listen to as he completely discredits his character. After a long, draining interrogation, Aiden’s finally allowed to return to his seat. Though he looks anything but relieved. And I have to admit, I honestly have no clue how the jury is going to swing. Even with Jenson doing his best to tell the jury all the evidence in Aiden’s favor. It still doesn’t look good.
“This court is now adjourned for ten minutes while the prosecution and defense prepare their closing arguments,” the judge calls out.
“All rise,” the bailiff declares.
We stand as the judge exits the courtroom, and the prosecution and defense teams leave and walk toward their respective rooms. Aiden glances back at me completely defeated as they lead him away. He looks nervous and shaken, which is exactly how I’m feeling. This isn’t going in any way, shape, or form how we planned. The prosecution is tearing him apart. Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be walking out of this courthouse with Aiden by my side today, and that thought scares the absolute hell out of me.
We make our way outside the courtroom to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. Sarah holds her arm around me as we walk with the rest of the family.
I’m completely numb.
I won’t be able to stand it if I lose him for the maximum of ten years. I can’t even fathom that theory right now. Though with the way shit is going in there, I might just have to face that possibility.
“It doesn’t look good, does it?” Killian asks no one in particular.
None of us answer as we stand huddled in silence as Niall joins us. “What are they saying?” Niall asks.
“Like you care,” Callie retorts, making us look away.
“I care. He’s your son,” Niall grunts.
Callie exhales in disgust. “He’s your son, too, Niall,” she huffs and storms away.
“That’s what I meant!” he calls out as Brielle and Killian follow their mother.
“I can’t stand this,” I mumble as Sarah tightens her arms around me.
“I could seriously strangle that little fucker, Matthew. I knew he was up to no good. I wish we could’ve found something on him, but he’s covered his tr
acks too well,” Daniel exclaims as we stand around and wait.
It is, after all, all we can do now.
The bailiff heads in, and we follow to hear their final closing statements.
“All rise, this session is now resumed.” The judge walks into the courtroom. “Be seated,” the bailiff announces stoically.
The prosecutor rises, walks to the middle of the courtroom and stands in front of the jury, and I zone out almost completely. He drones on and on, going through the same monotonous shit we’ve already heard throughout the trial, making me tune him out until his closing statement. “Embezzlement is a crime that should be punished accordingly. Thank you.”
My stomach turns somersaults, making me feel nauseous. I grip on to Sarah’s hand as Mike holds my other one. My breathing is shallow while my heart races so fast.
The tension in the room is palpable as Jenson stands for his final statement. “I would like to start by thanking Your Honor and the court staff on behalf of myself and my client. Mr. O’Connell is a family man. He thrives on working in the family business with his father, Niall O’Connell. I would like to point out to the jury that Niall O’Connell, the owner of O’Connell Finance, is here in the courtroom supporting his son today…” Jenson carries on talking up Aiden’s character, defending why he couldn’t possibly be guilty and finishes with, “Don’t let the crimes of someone else fall to Mr. O’Connell. We plead that you look at the evidence given. Thank you.”
I take a deep breath as Jenson sits next to Aiden. My leg agitates up and down as I try to keep myself composed when all I really want to do is scream my lungs out. Sarah gently rests her hand on my knee to stop it, and I put my hand over hers.
“We have heard both sides of this argument. The jury shall now to retire to consider their verdict. During this time, the jurors may not speak to anyone about the case, excluding other jury members. All discussions must take place in the jury room and when all jurors are present. This court is adjourned.”
“All rise,” the bailiff drawls.
We stand, and the judge walks out followed by the jury.
Aiden turns to face me, and he smiles as a policeman leads him out of the room.
My eyes feel heavy. Now, all we can do is wait.
Wait for a verdict as to whether I spend the rest of my life with the man of my dreams, or whether he’ll spend ten long years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. I can’t help but feel weak and emotionally drained.
Aiden’s family steps over to Jenson. “Now we wait,” he instructs.
“If he’s found guilty, will we have time to see him before they take him away?” Brielle asks Jenson.
“Unfortunately, no. He’ll be taken straight to the state prison where he’ll remain an inmate.”
Brielle hugs Logan as she cries into his chest.
I want to cry, but I can’t. I have no tears left. “How will we know when the jury is back?” My stomach churns again as I ask Jenson this all-important question.
“I’ll call you and let you know,” he advises kindly.
“Can we see him now?” Killian asks as I look up with a glimmer of hope.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible. He’s in custody until the jurors return.”
This shit is doing my head in.
“Thank you, Jenson. For everything,” Callie expresses.
“Don’t thank me yet. This could go either way.” He exhales and walks off.
“Jenifer, why don’t you and Sarah come back home? That way we can all be together when Jenson calls,” Callie asks me kindly, and I nod. “Mike, take the girls and bring them back to the house.”
“Sure, Mrs. O’Connell,” Mike answers and leads us to the car.
Sarah’s looking out the car window as we pull up at the massive mansion. “This is one impressive place.” She lets out a small laugh.
I don’t take much notice and step out of the car. Honestly, I’m on autopilot. I’m not really sure if I’m even functioning correctly right now as Brielle answers the front door, and Sarah and I walk inside. I have my arms wrapped around myself, subconsciously trying to hold myself together as we walk through to the living room. I sit on one of the sofas and stare into the distance as I see my life fading away. Everyone’s talking while Nana brings in drinks and generally putters around while I contemplate my life without Aiden.
The day fades away slowly with no phone call. They say verdicts can take days to come back or only a couple of hours. I am hoping for the latter when I hear a phone ring in the distance.
“They’re back already. Is that good or bad?” Callie announces.
No one answers her question.
“C’mon, everyone, we have to get down there quickly,” Niall announces.
I stay on the sofa, sitting and watching everyone frantically trying to leave when Nana spots me. “Jeni, aren’t you coming?”
Panic ripples through me as I shake my head slowly. Everyone assesses me, stopping in their tracks as Sarah comes back to sit next to me. “Come on, you can do this,” Sarah urges, taking my hands in hers as I continue to shake my head, trying to keep my shit together. I’ve been fighting so hard to stay strong in front of everyone, but right now my cracks are showing in bright neon lighting.
“Darling, Aiden needs you there.”
My bottom lip starts to quiver as an overwhelming sense of anxiety floods my entire being. “I c-can’t,” I whisper.
“If the situation were reversed, wouldn’t you want him there? Even though it would be hard for him? Wouldn’t you want it?” Nana states quietly.
Swallowing hard, I take in what she’s saying. I have to be there—for him, for me. Good or bad, I need to know. I inhale and stand, finding the strength I thought I’d lost. Nana and Sarah both exhale with relief.
“We have to go, now,” Callie affirms, and I pull myself together one more time.
Whether Aiden fights his way through this or not, I’m going to be there for him.
I’ll always be there for him.
Because Aiden’s love for me is stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced, so I need to find the strength to face anything and everything right now, just like he would for me.
Every. Damn. Time.
We walk into the courtroom and take the same seats, mine behind the defense table so I can be close to Aiden. The prosecutor enters as do Aiden and Jenson, who sit in front of us.
I lean forward. “I love you, no matter what,” I whisper to Aiden.
He exhales and nods as the bailiff enters and takes his usual spot in the courtroom. “All rise,” he announces as the judge walks in then sits behind his bench.
“Be seated. Please bring in the jury,” he instructs.
The jury is stoic, entering one by one into the courtroom. My heart races a million miles a minute. I almost feel as though I’m having a panic attack as my leg agitates, and I bite my bottom lip to stop it from quivering.
This is all happening so fast.
I thought I had more time!
Aiden and Jenson rise from their chairs.
“Will the jury foreperson please stand?”
A young woman stands in the jurors’ box, her face giving nothing away.
I am not ready!
“Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?” the judge asks.
No, please Lord, say no!
“We have, Your Honor,” the young woman replies.
My heart rate spikes so much, my head feels foggy. My breaths are short and sharp as I realize this is the moment my life continues, or it shatters into tiny fragments.
I stop breathing as my body shakes all over. A whooshing sound vibrates in my ears as I try my hardest not to fall apart right now. My body shakes so violently, I’m having trouble seeing straight as I watch her hand a piece of paper to the judge.
Oh God, oh God.
He reads it, nods, then hands it to the clerk.
I hold my breath even more as my entire body goes rigid.
“What say yo
u?” the judge asks.
Bile rises in my throat as I grip onto Sarah’s hand so tight my fingers go numb.
“We, the jury, find the defendant, Aiden O’Connell, for the felony charges of embezzlement in the State of California… guilty,” the clerk reads out loud.
My hand shoots to my mouth as tears well in my eyes. My stomach lurches, swirling and twisting in anguish as a small sob escapes my mouth.
Guilty?
Ho-ly fuck.
Shock fills the room as everyone gasps in disbelief.
My head snaps to Aiden, his head hangs low in despair, and I can’t help the tears that flow from my eyes and start running down my cheeks in a fast torrent.
He turns to me. “I love you, Jeni.”
My hands instantly dart out to reach for him, tears streaming down my face. “I love you more.”
Aiden leans in taking my hands in his, and I relish in the skin-to-skin contact for the last time.
A policeman takes him into custody, pulling Aiden away from me, but Aiden doesn’t let go of my hand which draws me forward dramatically. The policeman yanks Aiden, and our hands are torn apart, making me mourn the loss of him instantly.
“Aiden!” I grab hold of the barrier in front of me, leaning toward him, reaching out to try and touch him as he’s pulled further away. He struggles against the police officer trying with everything he has to get back to me.
“Jeni, I didn’t do this. I love you,” he yells as he struggles violently while they drag him further away from me.
I reach out for him, behind the banister, but he’s too far as they drag him away. “Aiden, don’t fight them,” I sob.
“Jeni, I didn’t do this. Tell me, you believe me?”
His family burst into tears as my hand rushes to my mouth to try and cover my sobs. “Aiden,” I yell as he resists the police officer struggling to get out of his grip.
He’s terrified.
And there’s nothing I can do to help him.